Top Reasons to Live in Omaha, NE

Indulge in wildlife! Guests can roam the pavement in search of their favorite animals at Henry Doorly Zoo. With one of the world's largest indoor desert and rainforest exhibits, it provides year-round access for locals and tourists alike. To view wildlife in natural habitats, take a hike through Heron Haven, where muskrat, mink, and fox stroll through surrounding wetlands.

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Delight in antiquated architecture! Admire the grand Victorian facade of the Joslyn Castle, a preserved estate that offers monthly, guided tours of its interior. St. Cecilia Cathedral is another architectural marvel. Built in the style of the Spanish Renaissance Revival, it's among the largest cathedrals in the nation.

Get doused in history and culture! At the Spirit of Nebraska's Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park, guests recall the struggles of their ancestors with life-sized sculpture re-enactments. The Durham Museum picks up where the pioneers left off, educating the masses on Omaha's past and present.

Take in some live music and theatre! The Orpheum, Omaha's premiere performing arts venue, is home to the hottest off-Broadway shows including Wicked and Million Dollar Quartet. If you're looking for live music, head to The Slowdown, where high-caliber local and national acts perform weekly.

Stop and smell the roses! Jaunt through Lauritzen Botanical Garden or Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens for the opportunity to live life in the slow lane while admiring the floral arrangements and vast landscapes.

View unique art! At Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and the Joslyn Art Museum, guests are treated to local and regional art across mediums.

Get your red meat fix! Omaha steaks are world-renowned. Dine at The Drover for what many residents consider the best steak in town, or stop by Just Good Meat and let the butcher slice you the perfect cut to cook at home.

Enjoy a libation at the local watering hole! Get philosophic with locals at two of the city's most beloved bars. Homy Inn serves champagne on tap by the pitcher while offering popcorn and peanuts for those hunger pangs. Another Omaha favorite is The Rose and Crown where locals enjoy the patio in summer months and conversation from regulars and staff year-round.

A day in the park! Omaha has no shortage of green space. You can relax, bike, or pack a picnic while enjoying Kenefick or Heartland of America Parks.

You can find a home! The current vacancy rate in Omaha is about 8.39%, which means there's a chance something will be available when you're ready to look. If caffeine's a consideration for you, you may want to look for rent to own homes around 50th and Underwood, granting access to Blue Line Coffee.

Lakeside splendor! If you're looking for rent to own houses waterside, seek the neighborhood surrounding South 156th and Garfield, it's in walking distance to Ed Zorinsky Lake. Look to Fort Street and 132nd and you'll be in close proximity to Standing Bear Lake.

High appreciation rates! Appreciation rates are soaring in parts of Omaha, which makes a great investment for those looking to rent to own. The City Center community has seen an annual appreciation average of 7.11% and a total appreciation of 401.86% since 1990. East Omaha is also budding, with a yearly average of 4.96% and appreciation values up 211.65 % since 1990.

Home values are on the rise! In the neighborhood surrounding South 96th and Capitol Avenue, the median real estate value is about $463,418. This has increased from previous years, which means that now is a good time to move.

Rentals abound! There are tons of rental opportunities in Omaha. Abodes for rent near South 42nd and F Street in South Omaha average $558 per month. Another great option surrounds South Saddle Creek Road and Dodge where the average rent is $448 per month.